Harley Benton SCHBO-850SC Bass: Review & Guide

by Alex Braham 47 views

Hey bass players! Today, we're diving deep into the Harley Benton SCHBO-850SC bass, a model that's been generating a lot of buzz in the low-end community. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your bass journey, understanding what this instrument offers is key. So, let's break it down, exploring its features, sound, playability, and overall value. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about the SCHBO-850SC, ensuring you make an informed decision if you're considering adding it to your arsenal.

Overview of Harley Benton SCHBO-850SC Bass

The Harley Benton SCHBO-850SC is a semi-hollow body bass that often attracts attention due to its unique aesthetic and sonic characteristics. Known for its affordability and surprisingly good quality, it stands out in a market flooded with more expensive alternatives. The "SCHBO" in the name likely refers to "Semi-Hollow Body," while "850" could indicate a model number or series within Harley Benton's lineup. The "SC" usually denotes "Single Cutaway," a design feature that allows for easier access to the higher frets on the neck. This bass typically features a maple body, a set-in maple neck, and a rosewood or similar material fretboard. The semi-hollow construction contributes to its warm, resonant tone, making it versatile for various music genres. It commonly comes equipped with two humbucker pickups, providing a powerful and defined sound. Hardware often includes a tune-o-matic style bridge and die-cast tuners. The SCHBO-850SC is often favored by players looking for a distinctive look and sound without breaking the bank. It's also popular among those who appreciate the comfort and lighter weight of a semi-hollow instrument. Overall, the Harley Benton SCHBO-850SC offers a blend of classic design and modern features at an accessible price point.

Key Features and Specifications

The Harley Benton SCHBO-850SC bass is packed with features that make it a compelling option for bassists of all levels. Let's delve into the specifics:

  • Body: Typically crafted from maple, the semi-hollow body construction is central to the bass's unique sound. This design enhances resonance and warmth, providing a rich, full tone that's distinct from solid-body basses. The single-cutaway design not only looks stylish but also allows for easier access to the higher frets, which is particularly useful for soloing or playing in higher registers.
  • Neck: The set-in maple neck contributes to the bass's sustain and overall tonal clarity. The neck profile is usually designed for comfort, allowing for smooth and fast playing. The set-in construction also ensures a strong connection between the neck and body, further enhancing sustain and resonance.
  • Fretboard: Often made of rosewood or a similar tonewood, the fretboard provides a smooth playing surface. The fretboard radius and fret size are designed to offer a comfortable playing experience, whether you're playing chords or intricate bass lines. Dot inlays commonly mark the fret positions, aiding in navigation.
  • Pickups: Equipped with two humbucker pickups, the SCHBO-850SC delivers a powerful and versatile sound. Humbuckers are known for their ability to produce thick, warm tones with plenty of sustain. They also excel at handling higher gain settings without excessive noise. The pickup configuration allows for a wide range of tonal options, suitable for various musical styles.
  • Hardware: The hardware components include a tune-o-matic style bridge, which allows for precise intonation adjustments, and die-cast tuners, which provide stable and accurate tuning. The quality of the hardware ensures that the bass stays in tune and performs reliably. The bridge design also contributes to the overall sustain and tonal clarity of the instrument.
  • Electronics: The bass typically features a standard control layout, including volume and tone controls for each pickup, as well as a three-way pickup selector switch. This configuration allows you to blend the sound of the two pickups to achieve a wide variety of tones. The electronic components are generally of good quality, ensuring reliable performance.
  • Finish: Available in various finishes, the SCHBO-850SC often sports a glossy finish that enhances its visual appeal. The finish not only protects the wood but also adds to the overall aesthetic of the instrument. Common finish options include sunburst, black, and natural.

Sound Quality and Performance

Discussing the Harley Benton SCHBO-850SC bass sound quality and performance is crucial. The semi-hollow body construction plays a significant role, giving the bass a warm, resonant tone that's different from solid-body basses. This design enhances the natural sustain and contributes to a rich, full sound, making it versatile for various music genres. The dual humbucker pickups provide a powerful and defined sound, capable of delivering both deep, rumbling lows and clear, articulate highs. The pickups handle a wide range of frequencies, ensuring that the bass can fit seamlessly into different musical contexts.

In terms of performance, the SCHBO-850SC excels in playability. The neck profile is designed for comfort, allowing for smooth and fast playing. The fretboard is typically made of rosewood or a similar material, providing a smooth surface for your fingers. The single-cutaway design allows for easy access to the higher frets, which is particularly useful for soloing or playing in higher registers. The hardware components, including the tune-o-matic style bridge and die-cast tuners, ensure that the bass stays in tune and performs reliably.

Overall, the SCHBO-850SC offers a balanced and versatile sound that can be adapted to various playing styles and musical genres. Whether you're playing rock, blues, jazz, or funk, this bass can deliver the tones you need. The semi-hollow body construction and humbucker pickups combine to create a sound that is both warm and powerful, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced players. The playability and reliability of the hardware components further enhance the overall performance of the bass, making it a solid choice for any bassist looking for an affordable and versatile instrument.

Playability and Comfort

The playability and comfort of the Harley Benton SCHBO-850SC bass are key factors that contribute to its appeal. The neck profile is typically designed for comfort, allowing for smooth and fast playing. Whether you have smaller hands or prefer a thicker neck, the SCHBO-850SC is designed to accommodate a variety of playing styles. The fretboard is often made of rosewood or a similar material, providing a smooth and comfortable surface for your fingers. The fretboard radius and fret size are designed to offer a comfortable playing experience, whether you're playing chords or intricate bass lines.

The semi-hollow body construction also contributes to the bass's overall comfort. Semi-hollow basses are generally lighter than solid-body basses, which can make a big difference during long practice sessions or gigs. The lighter weight reduces strain on your shoulder and back, allowing you to play for longer periods without fatigue. The body contours are also designed for comfort, ensuring that the bass sits comfortably against your body.

The single-cutaway design allows for easy access to the higher frets, which is particularly useful for soloing or playing in higher registers. The cutaway provides ample space for your hand to move freely, allowing you to reach the higher notes without straining. The hardware components, including the bridge and tuners, are designed for ease of use and adjustability. The tune-o-matic style bridge allows for precise intonation adjustments, ensuring that the bass plays in tune across the entire fretboard. The die-cast tuners provide stable and accurate tuning, so you can focus on playing without constantly having to retune.

Overall, the SCHBO-850SC is designed to be a comfortable and playable instrument. The neck profile, fretboard, body contours, and hardware components all work together to provide a smooth and enjoyable playing experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, you'll appreciate the comfort and playability of this bass.

Pros and Cons

Like any instrument, the Harley Benton SCHBO-850SC bass has its pros and cons. Understanding these can help you decide if it's the right bass for you. Let's break it down:

Pros:

  • Affordability: One of the biggest advantages of the SCHBO-850SC is its price. It offers a lot of value for the money, making it an excellent option for beginners or anyone on a budget. You get a well-built, versatile instrument without breaking the bank.
  • Unique Tone: The semi-hollow body construction gives the bass a warm, resonant tone that's different from solid-body basses. This unique sound can add a new dimension to your playing, making it suitable for various music genres.
  • Playability: The neck profile is designed for comfort, allowing for smooth and fast playing. The fretboard is typically made of rosewood or a similar material, providing a comfortable surface for your fingers. The single-cutaway design allows for easy access to the higher frets.
  • Lightweight: The semi-hollow body makes the bass lighter than many solid-body basses, reducing strain during long practice sessions or gigs. This is a significant advantage for players who value comfort and ease of use.
  • Versatility: The dual humbucker pickups provide a wide range of tonal options, making the bass suitable for various musical styles. Whether you're playing rock, blues, jazz, or funk, the SCHBO-850SC can deliver the tones you need.

Cons:

  • Hardware Quality: While the hardware is generally reliable, it may not be of the highest quality. Some players may eventually want to upgrade the tuners or bridge for improved performance.
  • Finish Imperfections: Some units may have minor finish imperfections, such as small scratches or blemishes. While these don't affect the playability or sound of the bass, they may be noticeable to some players.
  • Setup Required: Like many affordable instruments, the SCHBO-850SC may require a professional setup to optimize its playability. This may involve adjusting the action, intonation, and truss rod.
  • Pickup Quality: While the humbucker pickups provide a versatile sound, some players may find them lacking in clarity or definition compared to higher-end pickups. Upgrading the pickups can significantly improve the overall sound of the bass.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Harley Benton SCHBO-850SC bass isn't quite what you're looking for, several alternatives offer similar features or cater to different preferences. Here are a few options to consider:

  • Ibanez Artcore Basses: Ibanez Artcore basses are known for their semi-hollow body designs and versatile sound. Models like the AGB200 and AGB205 offer similar features to the SCHBO-850SC, with a focus on playability and tone. Ibanez basses are also known for their slim necks, which can be a great option for players with smaller hands.
  • Epiphone Jack Casady Signature Bass: Designed in collaboration with Jack Casady of Jefferson Airplane, this bass features a single JBE low-impedance pickup that delivers a unique and versatile tone. The semi-hollow body provides a warm and resonant sound, while the custom-designed pickup allows for a wide range of tonal options.
  • Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special: This bass offers a versatile combination of Precision Bass and Jazz Bass pickups, providing a wide range of tonal options. The active bass boost circuit allows for even more tonal flexibility, making it suitable for various musical styles.
  • Yamaha TRBX Series: Yamaha TRBX basses are known for their solid construction, versatile sound, and comfortable playability. Models like the TRBX174 and TRBX304 offer a range of features to suit different playing styles and preferences. Yamaha basses are also known for their reliability and consistency.
  • Gretsch G5440LS Electromatic Hollow Body Long-Scale Bass: This bass features a fully hollow body, which provides a warm and resonant sound. The dual Gretsch Black Top Filter'Tron pickups deliver a powerful and defined tone, making it suitable for rock, blues, and other genres.

Final Verdict: Is the Harley Benton SCHBO-850SC Bass Worth It?

So, is the Harley Benton SCHBO-850SC bass worth it? Absolutely, especially if you're on a budget and looking for a versatile and unique-sounding instrument. This bass offers a lot of value for the money, with its semi-hollow body construction, dual humbucker pickups, and comfortable playability. While it may have some minor drawbacks, such as potential finish imperfections or the need for a professional setup, these are easily outweighed by its affordability and overall performance.

For beginners, the SCHBO-850SC is an excellent starting point. It provides a comfortable and easy-to-play instrument that can help you develop your skills and explore different musical styles. The versatile sound of the humbucker pickups allows you to experiment with various tones, making it a great tool for learning and growth. For more experienced players, the SCHBO-850SC can be a valuable addition to your collection. Its unique semi-hollow body tone can add a new dimension to your playing, while its affordability makes it a great option for gigs or practice sessions where you don't want to risk damaging your more expensive instruments.

Overall, the Harley Benton SCHBO-850SC is a solid choice for any bassist looking for an affordable and versatile instrument. Its unique sound, comfortable playability, and budget-friendly price make it a standout option in its price range. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this bass is definitely worth considering. So, go ahead and give it a try – you might be surprised at how much you like it!